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If you would like to be a speaker, please complete the Speaker Form on this page.

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Our speakers share their stories to help others and become part of a community creating Circles of Support. Speakers condense their stories to 15 minutes and focus on the lessons learned, to reduce the learning curve for other women.

Reach out. We’re open to hearing your story.

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A word from our speakers

Sharing our experiences can build one’s confidence and faith. As a sole proprietor in a competitive, difficult industry, Spoken Lives is a foundational support for me, as I endeavour to stay true to myself and my goals. Through Spoken Lives, I am reminded that we can create communities that support one another rather than destroy ourselves through needless competition. Thank you Elizabeth Verwey for helping us to build new approaches that are sustainable and supportive.

Spoken Lives gave me the opportunity to reflect on myself and to weave together my activities – writing, weightlifting and canoeing, to make sense of how my ‘third act’ was unfolding. It was also an opportunity to share a more complete picture of myself with friends who came to listen, who were familiar with only part of my story. I received great feedback and the process itself has inspired more writing.

Madelyn Webb

TORONTO

Curated by: Elizabeth Verwey

Elizabeth Verwey first learned to live alone at 55 years of age. After 36 years of marriage, she went through a divorce. She turned to friends during this life makeover. Elizabeth hosted a series of Nurture Nights in her new place. She invited friends over for pot luck evenings. Most women had a story to share about their challenges and the lessons they learned while meeting these life challenges. These events grew as her friends invited their friends and Elizabeth wanted to move these gatherings to a more public space to make room for everyone who wanted to join us.

Now, we’re creating Circles of Support and making “herstory” by sharing our stories with one another in a more formal way. Three speakers share from the stage and other stories are shared at the tables.

TORONTO WEST

Curated by: Martha Henderson

“Take my hand, and we will make it, I swear!” was the promise I made to my sailing crew as we trained to compete for Canada in the 2008 Olympic Games. I had always been a Bon jovi fan and this song came on just as we needed it the most. I grew up surrounded by Olympians. I worked with Olympic Athletes and hopefuls in my business career but had shelved the idea that this was ever something that I could do even though I coached and competed with and against Olympic sailors. I was always “too [insert negative comment here]” to take action on my Olympic Dream. After a 15 year career in marketing, it took a decision of not wanting to live a life of “what if” that propelled me into action.

I am so excited to give the opportunity for women to tell their stories and inspire others – since it was listening to another woman’s story that inspired my action – and that has made all the difference.